Spring Lasagna with Creamy Pistachio Béchamel and Fresh Asparagus

Spring Lasagna with Creamy Pistachio Béchamel and Fresh Asparagus

This elegant Italian lasagna features a luxuriously smooth pistachio-infused béchamel sauce layered with tender spring asparagus and ricotta. A sophisticated twist on the classic comfort dish that celebrates the fresh flavours of the season.

AI SCORE
88
/100

Spring Lasagna with Creamy Pistachio Béchamel and Fresh Asparagus

This elegant Italian lasagna features a luxuriously smooth pistachio-infused béchamel sauce layered with tender spring asparagus and ricotta. A sophisticated twist on the classic comfort dish that celebrates the fresh flavours of the season.

AI SCORE
88
/100
ItalianDinnerVegetarian
⏱️
120 min
Time
👥
6 people
Servings
🔥
485 kcal
Calories
📊
Medium
Difficulty

Ingredients

  • 12 dried lasagna sheets
  • 100g shelled unsalted pistachios
  • 60g butter
  • 60g plain flour
  • 750ml whole milk
  • 300g fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3cm pieces
  • 250g ricotta cheese
  • 200g baby spinach
  • 150g mozzarella, shredded
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium shallot, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 180°C. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on oiled baking sheets to prevent sticking.

2

Blend pistachios in a food processor until finely ground, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish. Set aside.

3

Make the pistachio béchamel: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in ground pistachios and nutmeg. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.

4

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic for 2 minutes until softened. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.

5

In a small bowl, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6

Spread a thin layer of pistachio béchamel on the bottom of a 23x33cm baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna sheets, followed by one-third of the remaining béchamel, half the vegetable mixture, and dollops of half the ricotta.

7

Repeat layers: 4 lasagna sheets, one-third béchamel, remaining vegetables, and remaining ricotta. Top with final 4 lasagna sheets and remaining béchamel.

8

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

9

Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with reserved crushed pistachios and fresh basil leaves.

🤖
AI Generated & Quality Checked
This recipe was generated by AI and verified before going live — completeness, ratios, logic and prep time all checked.
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